Citing barriers to access, Black Montrealers create their own mental health services

Samanta Nyinawumuntu was going through tough times while attending theatre school. Feeling they needed help, they sought therapy. But, while sitting in a room with a white therapist, they quickly realized the environment wasn't a safe space for them.  "It was like the person I spoke with did not understand or had zero training. I left feeling worse, and I thought 'no, this is not for me,'" Nyinawumuntu said. They abandoned the sessions, feeling they failed to help.